ARCHIVES AND AUTHORS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 16, Issue 403, 14 March 1947, Page 26

ARCHIVES AND AUTHORS

Australians Form Commemorative Association ** CYOME of the literature of the past in both Australia and New Zealand is in danger of being forgotten. We want to interest various institutions in it and generally keep the public posted about it." This explanation of the aims and objects of the Australian Literary Commemorative Association was given to The Listener by Rex Ingamells, a Melbourne writer who is at present in New Zealand as the association’s representative. "The association," he went on, "aims to develop the libraries and archives of Australian and New Zealand literary material, assist other kindred bodies in this work, and encourage a deeper interest in and love for the writing tradition." A memorandum and articles of association were now being prepared for submission to the AttorneyGeneral’s department for the incorporation of the society under the Companies Act, and the association would accept private members and the affiliation of bodies already functioning. He, personally, was representing Georgian House (Melbourne) which, in turn, represented the Cambridge University Press, and Ginn and Co. Ltd., publishers. The association, of which he is a council member, was founded by Kate Baker, who received the O.B.E. for her work on the life and writings of "Tom Collins" (Joseph Furphy), and other members are A. H. Mattingley (provisional president and a well-known naturalist), Victor Kennedy (sub-editor of the Melbourne Argus), D, H. Rankin (secretary of the Australian Literature Society and the Shakespeare

Society in Melbourne), Mrs. A. Fairbairn (an artist), and Mrs. I. Hunter (president of the Lawson and Gordon Memorial Societies). "We want to form a liaison with New Zealand," said Mr. Ingamells, "not exercising any sort of control, but on a reciprocal basis. We would like somebody here take an interest in the movement, for we believe the two countries should assist each other, forming a link of cultural endeavour." "Ho do you think New Zealand should go about it?" "Well, you could get a body of citizens to gather material relating to local literature and history and form a central committee. Such archives would be of great benefit to New Zealand and to Australia, while our own archives would always be available to you. We’re not isolationists; we want our two coun- | tries to get together. In fact, a movement of this sort might be a very good thing if it embraced all English-speak-ing countries." It Seems, indeed, that there is considerable ignorance in Australia about New Zealand. Mr. Ingamells confessed that he had known little about us till he carne here. When it was suggested that he should visit New Zealand, he was asked how long he thought it would take to complete his mission, and he guessed at about six weeks. So arrangements were made for him to be away for just that time. But when he discovered the size of the main cities and the number of inland towns (Australia does not ‘possess anything like the same proportion) he soon realised that he could touch only the fringe of the job. Hi¢ trip’ so far, he said, has resulted only in scratching the surface, so he hopes to return here next year. Mr. Ingamells is calling on the Universities, schools and education boards in the centres, explaining the objects of his association and seeking their interest and co-operation.